Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine criticizes speeding as local drivers increase their speeds, highlighting a growing issue on city streets.
In a recent examination of Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine’s official vehicle usage, it has come to light that the car has accumulated a significant number of traffic violations, raising questions about Levine’s advocacy for stricter driving regulations. Between 2023 and 2024, Levine’s city-issued vehicle was cited for six speeding violations in school zones, according to data from How’s My Driving. These infractions could make the vehicle subject to a proposed bill in Albany aimed at reducing speeding, particularly among repeat offenders.
Levine has publicly emphasized the urgent need for measures to address reckless driving, asserting that such behavior has resulted in fatalities among New Yorkers. He has championed legislation designed to mandate the installation of intelligent speed assistance technology in vehicles with multiple speeding violations, a move he believes is essential for enhancing urban traffic safety.
In response to inquiries regarding the speeding violations attributed to his vehicle, Levine’s spokesperson clarified that these incidents occurred during the commutes of employees and not during Levine’s own usage. A detailed examination of the violations indicated a pattern where many infractions occurred in Brooklyn while Levine was documented as being in Manhattan or engaged in official duties.
Following media scrutiny, the spokesperson indicated that “disciplinary actions” were taken against the staff involved in the driving infractions. The borough president’s office maintains that Levine is steadfast in his commitment to traffic safety, noting his support for various legislative efforts including the Stop Super Speeders bill and the advancement of Sammy’s Law. Furthermore, the office confirmed that Levine has requested the installation of speed limiting devices for the vehicle to prevent recurrence of these violations.
The proposed legislation, which aims to curb the actions of drivers who frequently violate speed limits, would require the installation of speed-limiting devices in cars belonging to motorists with six or more camera-issued speeding tickets within a one-year period. Since his appointment in 2022, Levine’s vehicle has reportedly amassed a total of 28 traffic violations, 10 of which were for speeding in designated school zones. The majority of these violations occurred in Manhattan, though notable figures were also recorded in Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
Levine is currently pursuing the position of City Comptroller, competing against Councilmember Justin Brannan, while the present Comptroller, Brad Lander, has declared his candidacy for mayor. The Super Speeder bill has recently progressed within a state Senate Transportation Committee, signaling a growing legislative focus on road safety and the management of speeding-related issues.
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